Evolution of the Rave Scene

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a rave as “a large overnight dance party featuring techno music and usually involving the taking of mind-altering drugs.” The definition is slightly outdated. Society now lumps all genres of electronic dance music under “EDM.” Drugs and alcohol are present, but when have they ever been absent from a gathering of adults wanting to cast off responsibility for several hours? Raves are not the only places people indulge and mind altering substances are not the prime motivator for seeking out beats late into the night.

Acid house parties in the 1980s would give birth to a renaissance of electronic music that would shape itself into the genres we are familiar with today: house, techno, trance, breakbeat, etc. This music needed to be heard and what better place for it to be nurtured than at raves? Raves were portals to a world where rhythm, musical ecstasy, and abandon awaited those brave enough to cast off a normal bedtime. Often taking place in places without proper permits and without advance notice like in today’s social media playgrounds, these parties would go on until the sun rose. Today events usually take place in sanctioned spaces. Sometimes events have to be cut off before the witching hour, but the spirit of the rave hasn’t been extinguished.

Feeling the nostalgia yet? No, well get ready to take a trip back to the past. Remember JNCO jeans, the wide-legged jeans that were a staple of raver wear? JNCO was founded in 1985 and its style of jeans was exported from California. They became popular among certain subcultures, including the skater and rave subcultures in the 1990s.

Children of the night also came decked out in bright colors, costumes, and kandi. Regular shirts and pants were also part of rave attire, the same as it is today, for dressing to dance still takes priority over showcasing the latest in raver fashion.

The rave scene’s momentum hasn’t quelled into the 2000s. Sound ordinances, media exclusives about drug use at raves, and legal pressure dampened some scenes at the turn of the century but this just gave determined promoters the opportunity to grow the rave scene while adhering to laws in place, allowing for the rave scene to go more mainstream and be more accessible to the general public. Massive raves have given over to highly profitable music festivals and DJ tours that continue to draw hundreds to thousands of people. There is much debate over whether or not raves still exist. Some would argue that raves reached their peak in the 1990s. The music may sound different and those who embrace the nightlife may look different, but strangers still converge at designated spaces to dance and leave behind the day’s grind. Bass still rumbles and a new generation carries the torch for the party kids before them. Peace within one’s self can still be discovered, love can still be shown from complete strangers, unity still ties together a growing audience around the world, and respect is still pervasive in a scene that has continued to thrive.

Author: Shannon Demny

Shannon was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where she continues to reside and participate in the local dance music scene. She was first introduced to edm in high school when she heard Fatboy Slim's "Praise You" come on the radio. Thereafter began her love affair with electronic dance music. Shannon spends her days juggling kids, collecting music, and typing articles. Unapologetically positive, Shannon strives every day to fill her life with music, love, and positive vibes.
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